Pagan holidays in February can be traced back to ancient traditions and beliefs. These holidays are often centered around nature and the changing seasons, highlighting the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. One example of a pagan holiday in February is Imbolc, which marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time of purification and preparation for the coming spring, with rituals focused on cleansing and lighting fires. Another pagan holiday in February is Lupercalia, which was celebrated in ancient Rome. This holiday honored the god Lupercus and was associated with fertility and purification.
The origins of Chandeleur, or Candlemas Day
The history of Candlemas lies at the intersection of pagan traditions and Christian celebrations. In the month of February, during the period where the first seeds of the season were sown, many celebrations were held to invoke the gods of fertility and harvest in the hopes of bringing good fortune.
These pagan rites involved asking for the return of favorable weather conditions and for a favorable harvest by eating round, golden brown cakes, resembling the sun, a vital source of energy of the crops. The Celts worshipped Imbolc, the goddess of fertility, and held torchlight processions in her honor on February 1 st . For the Romans, Lupercalia was worshipped on February 15 th in a celebration in honor of Faunus, god of herds and fertility. Meanwhile, the Greeks lit torches and celebrated the return of Persephone, queen of the Underworld, along with her mother Demeter, goddess of Agriculture. Crepes were always eaten in different forms for these occasions.
At the end of the 5 th century, Pope Gelasius I abolished the celebration of Lupercalia in order to celebrate Mary’s presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple of Jerusalem on February 2 nd , 40 days after the birth of Christ. From the Middle Ages onward, pilgrims began to go to Rome and carry blessed candles to celebrate the presentation of Jesus. From carrying great torches in the beginning, to smaller torches, then alter candles, to finally smaller candles, the celebration of Candlemas got its name.
When pilgrims reached Rome, Pope Gelasius I offered them something to eat. Instead of bread, he offered thin pancakes. The celebration came full-circle, and crepes were again eaten on February 2 nd . And so the tradition of eating crepes on Candlemas Day has become widespread among Christians and non-Christians alike.
Now that the history of Candlemas Day is no longer a mystery to you, head to your kitchen and try our Guénard Hazelnut Oil crepe recipe !
Imbolc
Imbolc is a pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. Based on a Celtic tradition, Imbolc was meant to mark the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox in Neolithic Ireland and Scotland. The holiday is celebrated by Wiccans and other practitioners of neopagan or pagan-influenced religions. Imbolc is just one of several pre-Christian holidays highlighting some aspect of winter and sunlight, and heralding the change of seasons.
This holiday honored the god Lupercus and was associated with fertility and purification. Lupercalia rituals involved the sacrifice of animals and the subsequent use of their hides to whip people, symbolizing the cleansing and fertility of the land. Although these pagan holidays may have originated in ancient times, they still hold significance for many people today.
Origins of Imbolc
The celebration of Imbolc dates back to the pre-Christian era in the British Isles. The earliest mentions of Imbolc in Irish literature were found in the 10th century. Poetry from that time relates the holiday to ewe’s milk, with the implication of purification.
It’s been speculated that this ritual stems from the breeding cycle of sheep and the beginning of lactation. The holiday was traditionally aligned with the first day of spring and the idea of rebirth.
Winter SolsticeWATCH: The Winter Solstice
They serve as a reminder of our connection to nature and the cycles of life..
Reviews for "Honoring the Cycles of the Moon on Pagan Holidays in February"
1. Jane - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Pagan holidays in February". The book promised to be a comprehensive guide to pagan celebrations during this month, but it fell short on so many levels. Firstly, the book's organization was confusing and haphazard, making it difficult to find the information I was looking for. Secondly, the writing style was dry and lacked any sort of enthusiasm or passion, making it a struggle to stay engaged. Lastly, I found that the author's research was lacking, as many of the information provided seemed outdated or simply incorrect. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring pagan holidays in February.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Pagan holidays in February" but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. While the book did provide some basic information about pagan traditions during this month, it lacked depth and substance. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of these holidays, but I found the book to be quite shallow in that regard. Additionally, the illustrations included were minimal and not very visually appealing. Overall, I felt that the book missed the mark and left me wanting more.
3. Amanda - 2 stars
As someone who is relatively new to pagan traditions, I was excited to dive into "Pagan holidays in February". However, I found the book to be confusing and difficult to follow. The author assumed a certain level of prior knowledge, leaving me feeling lost and overwhelmed. Furthermore, I found the book to be lacking in practical advice or guidance for celebrating these holidays. It felt more like a collection of random information rather than a cohesive guide. Overall, I was left disappointed and would not recommend this book to beginners in the world of paganism.